This week the blog is sponsored by Thomas Nelson Bibles. This post is adapted from the introduction of the Timeless Truths Bible by Matthew Z. Capps, Sr. Pastor of Fairview Baptist Church (Apex, NC), who served as its general editor.
What is the most important thing you need to know about the Bible? In my opinion, it is crucial to understand that Scripture is God’s perfect treasure, a revelation of himself to humankind. Christianity is dependent upon the belief that God has graciously, intentionally, and lovingly chosen to reveal himself and his will to humanity. If God has revealed himself to us, our desire should be that as we study God’s Word, we do so in a way that seeks to understand every passage accurately in light of his divine self-disclosure.
Christianity is dependent upon the belief that God has graciously, intentionally, and lovingly chosen to reveal himself and his will to humanity.Matthew Z. CappsShare
That doesn’t mean it is always easy, though. There are times when the historical distance between the modern reader and ancient text makes it difficult to understand certain parts of scripture. But the good news is that when you read the Bible you are not alone. Because the Bible is one of the most printed books in human history, it also has one of the deepest wells of insightful commentary that we as modern readers can draw from.
Enrich your journey with wisdom from the past
In a modern world that too often sprints along in what C. S. Lewis called in Surprised by Joy “chronological snobbery,” that is, believing that ancient resources are obstacles to our progress, retrieving the past can help clarify our historical shortsightedness and cultural biases. In short, we cannot ignore the contributions of the past or over-exaggerate the wisdom of the present. We must approach the Bible with the humble belief that every generation in the church has unique contributions to offer. The wisest of Christians in history have always drawn from the past to understand how to live in the present.
When you study the Bible, you are welcomed into an ancient conversation, an interpretive community that stretches across time and knows no geographical boundaries. It is a community that includes people from the very earliest disciples of Jesus living in Jerusalem, the second-century converts in Roman-ruled Africa and Europe, medieval monastics, the Reformers, English Puritans, American revivalists, and many more. This rich history affords us the opportunity to cultivate theological instincts and values from trusted guides.
A Bible designed with history in mind
The Timeless Truths Bible is designed with this history in mind. It will remind you that, as you read the Word of God, you’re a part of a sacred communion made up of believers past and present. Not only is this particular Bible beautifully designed, it has also been carefully crafted with selected features to help you in your journey through the text.

Regardless of your spiritual journey, if you are new to the Bible or a seasoned saint, hearing from voices of the past will deeply enrich your understanding of God’s Word. The church in every generation has gathered around the Bible to read, study, ponder, debate, and meditate on the scriptures. Through personal study and communal discussion on the Bible, God has shaped his people, setting them apart to love him and each other, to worship, and to work toward advancing his good news to the whole world.
Dig deeper with trusted guides
My prayer is that the Timeless Truths Bible will encourage and strengthen you, and that your own study of this incomparable book will be enriched by the reflections and insights of faithful saints from across the centuries who, just like you, came to scripture to learn from the Author of life. As you read, do so with an open mind and heart. There is a sense in which we do not simply read the Bible, the Bible also reads us. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “Nobody ever outgrows Scripture! The Book widens and deepens with our years! It is true, it cannot really grow, for it is perfect, but it does so to our apprehension. The deeper you dig into Scripture, the more you find that it is a great abyss of truth.”

Good morning from Bangkok, Thailand, where I’m visiting friends for a day as I make my way from Australia to Seoul, South Korea.

Today’s Kindle deals include a couple of interesting books.
(Yesterday on the blog: In a Distant Land)
Five Illustrations to Better Understand Emotions
Kevin provides a few illustrations meant to help you better understand emotions.
What Are Some Dangers of Neglecting Church History?
“We have much to learn from our brothers and sisters in the faith from around the globe, but we also have much to learn from our brothers and sisters—faithful disciples—who’ve come before from two millennia of church history.”
What is Theology?
Since God is the object of our knowledge, the source of our wisdom, and the fountain of our everlasting happiness, what greater endeavor could the Christian ever pursue than theology? Join Matthew Barrett for free to study the foundational elements of Christian Theology through For The Church Institute at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College. (Sponsored Link)
Christians Are Not Totally Depraved
“The phrase ‘total depravity’ refers to a person’s sinful condition outside of the mercy of Christ. So, after conversion, is a sinner still totally depraved?” Mitch Chase answers and clarifies.
What I’ve Learned from the Anglicans
This is a neat little series from 9Marks: What I’ve Learned from the Anglicans, What I’ve Learned from the Baptists, and What I’ve Learned from the Presbyterians.
The Days Are Long, But the Years Are Short
I enjoyed this “letter from grandpa.“
Being in the business of hanging out with our mates
I agree with this, though I think there are also times to formalize meetings. “It seems to me there is no reason not to just consider much of our pastoral ministry as the privilege of hanging out with our friends. Sometimes for serious and important reasons, sometimes just for the usual reasons you might ever want to keep up with a friend, and sometimes just for the sake of hanging out casually with people because they’re your friends.”
Flashback: Flowers Springing Up in the Rain
You and I are not too different from grass and flowers, for as God sees fit to have them grow through sun and rain, he sees fit to have us grow through joy and grief. As it is his will that they display their beauty through good weather and bad, it is his will that we display our beauty through easy times and difficult.

Be slow to believe an accusation against another! One false mouth can destroy the reputation won by a lifetime of worthy deeds! —J.R. Miller

This week’s Free Stuff Fridays is sponsored by Crossway, who also sponsored the blog this week. They are giving away the new The Biggest Story Bible Storybook. There will be five winners this week and each will receive a copy of each of these Bibles.

Here is how Crossway describes it: 
The Bible is a BIG book about the BIGGEST story. Each page tells about the God who created the world, acted in history, and continues to act in the present. In The Biggest Story Bible Storybook, pastor Kevin DeYoung shares this grand story with children ages 6–12 through 104 short chapters. 
Beginning in Genesis and ending with Revelation, DeYoung provides engaging retellings of various Bible stories, explaining how they fit into the overarching storyline. Each reading is coupled with beautiful illustrations by award-winning artist Don Clark and concludes with a reflective prayer. Perfect for bedtime stories or to read together as a family, both children and parents alike will experience afresh the captivating story of the Bible in an easy-to-understand, compelling way.  
Enter Here
Giveaway Rules: You may enter one time. By entering, you will be added to Crossway’s mailing list. Winners will be notified by email. The giveaway closes Saturday at noon. If you are viewing this through email, click to visit my site and enter there.